“It opens up too many loose avenues in protection of the land, protections of the water, protections of the earth,” explained Chief Bob Gloade of the Millbrook First Nation. “That’s our biggest concern because we have been stewards of the land for many years.”

Over the last week, aboriginal groups have been protesting in various provinces. The rallies on Maritime highways are part of a coordinated effort across the country.

Similar demonstrations took place in New Brunswick, where traffic was reduced to one lane on the Trans-Canada Highway near the Woodstock First Nation.

“We’ve chosen to take only half of the highway here and shut down one lane because we don’t want to make the non-native people mad at us for inconveniencing them,” said protest organizer Anatasha Lyons. “Especially around the holidays.”